Katherine Parks

1923 - 2025

Katherine Ethel Parks

September 8, 1923 ~

November 24, 2025

Moab, Utah-

Katherine Ethel "Kate" Parks (née Schmidt), age 102, passed away peacefully on November 24, 2025 in Moab, Utah at the Canyonlands Care Center. She was born on September 8, 1923, in Jefferson, Iowa to William Henry Schmidt and Gretchen Martha Marean.

Katherine was the beloved wife of the late Darrell D. Parks and the devoted mother of two daughters, Pamela Bridwell (Terry) and Rebecca Parks. Her legacy lives on through her grandchildren-Jason Bridwell; Justin Bridwell (Stephanie); Amy Wiggins (Jamison); Jessica Hillin (Dan); and Cody Hillin (Julianne)-and her great-grandchildren: Katelyn Bridwell, Tyler Bridwell, Jamie Wiggins, Jemma Wiggins, Oriah Henderson, and Juno Henderson.

She was preceded in death by her husband Darrell and her siblings: Jesse Schmidt, Camilla Treece, Vivian Smith, Merle Schmidt, Pearl Nelson, William Schmidt Jr., and Fred Schmidt.

Katherine grew up on a farm in Iowa. She came to California from Iowa in the late 1940's. There she met her husband of 42 years Darrell D. Parks. They were married in Yuma Arizona in August 1952. They settled in Pomona, California where they raised their two daughters Pamela and Rebecca. Eventually they moved to Grand Junction Colorado in 1994. Later she moved to Moab, Utah to be closer to her daughter Pamela in her later years.

Katherine had a deep love for gardening, nurturing plants that brought beauty to every season. She also enjoyed painting and sightseeing adventures that allowed her to explore new places. A favorite pastime was gambling trips with her daughter Pamela-moments filled with laughter and shared joy. She loved her two dogs Teddy and Winston who kept her company after Darrell passed away. She was fond of seeing the birds in her back yard and identifying them. She loved her bananas! She also loved Reese's Peanut Butter cups as her candy treat.

Family was always at the center of Katherine's life. She cherished having loved ones nearby and opened her home to those in need. Her and Darrell were always there for their two daughters in times of need and never hesitated to help them. Her kitchen was a place of comfort and connection, where she was known for her exceptional fried chicken and potato salad-dishes that became family favorites.

A Memorial Gathering will be held on January 10, 2026, from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM at Orchard Mesa Cemetery, 2620 Legacy Way, Grand Junction, Colorado.

May Katherine Ethel "Kate" Parks' memory bring comfort to all who knew and loved her.